Mission Briefing
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Mission preview - Our in-depth story previewing this launch of the first Delta 4-Heavy.
Launch timeline - Chart with times and descriptions of events to occur during the launch.
Launch Hazard Area - Map showing the restricted area around Cape Canaveral during launch.
Delta 4-Heavy - Overview of this heavy-lift rocket in the Delta 4 family.
DemoSat - Description of the satellite simulator and two nanosats being flown on this launch.
Pre-launch flow - Illustration of the rocket checkout and assembly at Cape facilities.
D4-H archive - Collection of past stories and pictures of the Delta 4-Heavy.
Delta directory - See our coverage of previous Delta rocket flights.
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Launch weather forecast
Posted: December 10, 2004
| Forecast for Saturday, December 11 |
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Issued: Friday, December 10
Launch Weather Officer: Kathy Winters, 45th Weather Squadron
Synoptic Discussion: "A cold front will move through Central Florida today bringing showers and isolated thunderstorms into the area and colder temperatures for the weekend. The front will clear the area by Saturday afternoon, but strong winds and clouds will persist behind the front. Winds and cloud cover will gradually decrease through Sunday and Monday.
"The main weather concerns on launch day will be violation of ground wind and thick cloud rules."
Clouds: Broken at 4,000 feet with 5/8ths sky coverage and tops at 7,000 feet
Visibility: 10 miles
Launch Pad Winds: Northwesterly from 300 degrees at 15 gusting to 20 knots
Temperature: 60 degrees F
Relative Humidity: 60 percent
Weather: Mostly cloudy
Probability of Violating Weather Constraints: 70 percent
Concerns: Ground wind and thick clouds
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Saturday's launch window: 2:31 to 5:27 p.m. EST (1931-2227 GMT)
Saturday's sunset: 5:27 p.m. EST (2227 GMT)
Sunday's launch window: 2:32 to 5:28 p.m. EST (1932-2228 GMT)
Monday's launch window: 2:32 to 5:28 p.m. EST (1932-2228 GMT)
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| 24- and 48-hour Delay Forecasts |
Sunday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 30 percent
Concerns: Ground winds
Monday's Probability of Violating Constraints: 10 percent
Concerns: Ground winds
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Apollo 12 tribute DVD set
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